CHARLESTON PAST MIDNIGHT is Book one in the Past Midnight series by Christine Edwards. The book is set in the present but employs many flashbacks to previous time periods. I didn't find this too jarring because Christine Edwards does a good job of defining the chapter's time period by noting it clearly at the start of the chapter with the date and location. I ended up reading the present day scenes and then going back and reading the scenes set in the past. Some narratives set in the past describe how Severin became a vampire and are great background info.

Severin Beauvais is a classic vampire -- old-world, alpha, tall, dark and handsome. At first, his way of speaking might appear a little stilted, but he just talks and acts like a man born hundreds of years ago. He enjoys some light dominance and submission play with the heroine, but nothing too wild for the average paranormal romance fan. Calla, while only human, is a strong enough woman to handle Severin and they fit well together. I love that CHARLESTON PAST MIDNIGHT has a few strong gothic elements and is very atmospheric.

The vampire villain in CHARLESTON PAST MIDNIGHT serves a purpose and is a worthy opponent for the hero. I really liked that, while helping to drive the story and provide extra excitement, the villain's evil plot wasn't the entire focus of the story. The love story between Severin and Calla remains the focus. Throughout the story, they do a lot of talking and getting to know each other in addition to all the very steamy love scenes.

CHARLESTON PAST MIDNIGHT has some super sexy old-school vampires and an intriguing love story. I loved the supporting characters -- Case, Kiana, Ambrose, and Alina. I would love to read stories with them as main characters in the future. I liked the support system that Severin and his family of vampires have -- it helped lighten the mood at times. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

Book Summary

How much fight does one woman have inside? Calla Hart has never relied on anyone. The fierce West Virginian learned the hard way to be self-sufficient, that is until she is viciously attacked late one night by two thugs. Her luck turns when, still fighting for her life, she is rescued from her attackers by a preternaturally strong stranger. She is stunned to discover that Severin Beauvais is not your typical alpha male hero. Although her pre-med student mind vehemently resists the notion, Calla must soon accept that he is a vampire, one who has stalked the historic grounds of Charleston, South Carolina, since the mid- eighteenth century. Their desire for each other is intense, yet as much as she'd like to envision happily ever after with Severin, too much stands in their way. Aside from her fragile mortality, there is Severin’s extremely dominant personality coupled with his unending feud with the ancient Russian vampire Valdon, who has so far proved invincible. And Valdon has set his sights on Calla .... When it comes down to the wire, what would you sacrifice for the love of your life?

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